The third round of the FA Cup brings an intriguing clash between Port Vale and Fleetwood Town at Vale Park. This encounter marks their first-ever meeting in this competition, and both sides will be eager to progress further in the tournament. With recent form fluctuating for both teams, this fixture promises to be a tight and tactical battle where small details could make the difference.

Port Vale’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Port Vale enter this FA Cup tie under new management, with Jon Brady taking charge following a difficult league campaign. Despite sitting at the bottom of League One, the Valiants showed signs of revival with a resounding 5-1 victory over Blackpool on January 1, 2026. That win ended a four-match winless streak and provided a much-needed confidence boost ahead of this cup fixture.

In the FA Cup, Port Vale have been impressive so far, winning both of their previous rounds — 5-1 against Maldon & Tiptree and 1-0 against Bristol Rovers. Their cup form contrasts sharply with their league struggles, suggesting that the knockout format may suit them better. Statistically, they have averaged 3.5 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per game in this competition, underlining their attacking potential when given space to play.

At home, Port Vale’s matches tend to produce goals, though not excessively. Only three of their last fourteen home games have ended with under 0.5 total goals, indicating that they usually find the net at least once. However, defensive lapses remain a concern, as they have conceded an average of 2.0 goals per match across their last five fixtures in all competitions.

• FA Cup record: W2 · D0 · L0


• Average goals scored: 3.5


• Average goals conceded: 0.5


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 defeats

Fleetwood Town’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Fleetwood Town arrive at Vale Park looking to bounce back from a disappointing run in League Two. Their most recent outing ended in a 0-1 home defeat to Grimsby Town, extending their winless streak to three league matches (D1, L2). Despite this, their FA Cup journey has been encouraging, showing resilience and determination in earlier rounds.

The Fishermen began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Barnet before facing a tough test against Luton Town in the second round. After a 2-2 draw in regular time, they held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties. This fighting spirit could prove vital as they face a Port Vale side eager to impress under new leadership.

Fleetwood’s recent matches have been tight affairs, with an average of 0.8 goals scored and 0.6 conceded per game in their last five outings. In the FA Cup, they have averaged 2.0 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match. Interestingly, over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half of each of their last eleven FA Cup fixtures, suggesting that their games often open up after the break. However, their away matches tend to be low-scoring, with under 3.5 goals recorded in each of their last ten trips.

• FA Cup record: W1 · D1 · L0


• Average goals scored: 2.0


• Average goals conceded: 1.5


• Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats

Head-to-Head and Tactical Overview

Although this is their first FA Cup meeting, Port Vale and Fleetwood Town have faced each other seventeen times in other competitions. The Valiants hold a slight edge with two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five encounters. Their most recent clash ended in a 1-1 draw on March 8, 2025, reflecting the balance between the two sides.

Both teams have struggled for consistency in front of goal this season. Port Vale have failed to score in three of their last four matches, while Fleetwood have gone three games without finding the net. This lack of cutting edge suggests that the upcoming tie could be a cautious affair, with both managers prioritizing defensive organization over attacking risk.

Given their respective forms, the match may hinge on which side can capitalize on set pieces or defensive errors. Port Vale’s home advantage could play a role, but Fleetwood’s resilience in cup competitions should not be underestimated. Expect a disciplined and tactical contest, with few clear-cut chances.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town Prediction

Considering the recent performances and statistical trends, this FA Cup clash is likely to be a low-scoring encounter. Both sides have shown defensive discipline but limited attacking output in recent weeks. The historical data also supports a tight match, with most of their previous meetings producing modest goal totals.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town prediction from BetMines: Under 2.5 goals with 54% probability.